Inter Miami attacker Lionel Messi could finally make his dream Barcelona homecoming on loan in January, according to a report.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner tearfully packed his bags and left Catalonia in the summer of 2021, as Barca's financial crisis made it impossible for them to retain the attacker's services.
Messi departed Camp Nou with a phenomenal legacy, having scored 672 goals and set up 303 more in 778 matches, and Paris Saint-Germain won the race to sign the 36-year-old after his La Liga exit.
However, Messi struggled to adapt to life in the French capital - despite clinching two Ligue 1 titles - and he opted not to extend his stay with Luis Enrique's side in order to try his hand at MLS.
Now starring for David Beckham-owned Inter Miami, Messi snubbed a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia to join the Florida franchise, while inevitable speculation over a Barcelona return also led to nowhere.
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Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until New Year's Eve 2025 - by which time he will be 38 years old - but there has already been talk of the South American bidding a swift farewell to the Herons.
A move back to boyhood club Newell's Old Boys in Argentina has been mooted, but according to Spanish outlet Sport, a temporary Barcelona homecoming is not entirely out of the question for 2024.
Despite clinching the Leagues Cup crown, Inter Miami are second from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with only a couple of weeks left to play in the regular season.
Gerardo Martino's side boast 33 points with three games remaining and are still capable of sneaking into eighth or ninth spot, which would see them enter the wildcard round of the playoffs.
However, Inter Miami's chances of a late surge up the table are minimal, meaning that after October 21, Messi would be without competitive club football for a few months before the 2024 MLS season kicks off.
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Barcelona are said to be keeping a close eye on the MLS playoff picture in the hope of bringing Messi back to the club over the winter, but Inter Miami have vehemently denied that such a move could come to fruition.
The club's managing owner Jorge Mas has reportedly given Messi his word that he will be able to return to Camp Nou for a testimonial or similar tribute, but a loan or permanent transfer has not been discussed.
Since touching down in the United States this summer, Messi has come up with 11 goals in just 12 appearances for Inter Miami, in addition to contributing five assists in all tournaments.
However, the 36-year-old has missed five of his side's last six MLS contests with a muscular injury, although there is hope that he will be fit to return against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
Messi has also been called up to the Argentina squad for October's internationals, as the World Cup holders prepare to meet Peru and Paraguay in a pair of 2026 qualifiers.
Ben Knapton
